OlaBelle Reed Family - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Ola Belle wrote and recorded the song "White Flower" which tell of Mothers Day. So wear a white Flower on Mothers Day in rememberance of your mother on her special Day. Bluegrass Unlimited Sept & Oct 2008 and Jan 09 talked about the Pioneers of Bluegrass and October issue in the notes and Queries about OlaBelle and Alex , Dad and a accurate account it was. This year was really different. Dad we moved him to Wyoming to live with my wife and I to get him back on his feet. June Dad, David and I were invited to The 1st ever Pioneers of Bluegrass Gathering thru the International Bluegrass Music Museum at ROMP in June. Went to the OlaBelle Reed Homecoming Festival in Lansing, NC. then OlaBelle was inducted into the National Traditional Country Music Association at the La Mars, Iowa festival and found out we were featured on the main stage after the ceremony. After that a 2 hr radio show taping in Bilings, Mt. with Fred Buckley talking about Ola Belle. So here are a few random photos added that were taken and by permission we are using them. THANKS ..In October the IBMM (International Bluegrass Music Museum, Owensboro, Ky.) came to Rising Sun and added Dad, Dave and I into their 1st generation "Live Historical Project", by filming us for 5 1/2 hrs doing it all about Mom - OlaBelle, Sunset Park, New River Ranch and all the old time music -- What a surprise for the family of someone who always wanted the mountain music passed on and appreciated. A recording with this interview will be out later through the IBMM website. Keep your eyes & ears open for it ?Ralph, Jr and David are doing what Ola Belle Reed always wanted and that is to carry on and never forget our roots music and keep it alive. She is gone on now but let the strings do the talking for us all and keep passing on a tradition of home grown music. Several young groups are recording her songs and that sends the message on.Ola Belle always wanted a place to share and preserve music from Ashe County, NC and Grayson County, Va. where she was born and raised. The town of Lansing, NC., is doing this in honoring her with the 4th Annual Ola Belle Reed Homecoming Festival. Being born on the New River outside of Lansing she heard and learned as some say, Ole' Timey tunes, but we all know she brought this music to the forefront over the years and today is in very much demand by "The Rich and The Poor." People from all walks of life have told me personally how much it is a part of history and want it to be passed on. Music brings us together and somehow we can all relate if we will listen. Ola Belle never turned anyone out for any reason. That was OlaBelle. ..

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/5/2006
Band Website: www.olabellefest.com
Band Members: Ralph (BUD) Reed our 90 year historian of his late wife Ola Belle Reed. He still plays a mean guitar and yodels and sings 'Jimmy Rogers" songs. Bud started playing at the age of 6. That's 84 years of music plus in his lifetime. David Reed, youngest son and great musician plays any instrument you place in his hands. Has played since his late teens. Also, has a real good voice for lead and tenor. Guitar, Banjo, Bass and more. Ralph, Jr. oldest of Buds sons. A late comer to sing and play with the family but has always played music and sang with family at home and many Churches. Lead, tenor and Guitar and Bass even some banjo. All are keeping the Ola Belle Tradition alive.
Influences: My mom, Ola Belle Reed (song writer, singer, and promoter) who wrote "High On The Mountain", I've Endured - IBMA song of 2004 nominee, Washington Area Music Association inductee 2005 Hall of Fame. Also she is the one who took us all to every show she ever played while we were growing up. A home where NO ONE was ever turned away and music was 24/7 and a way of life. I can't forget my dad, As all know him as Bud. He is my best friend even though we live 2000 miles apart I call him almost everyday. At 90 yrs of age he still plays the mouth organ (harmonica), guitar and still sings. He is a great in his own right. Jimmy Rogers was his favorite and played and sang with mom all over.
Sounds Like: Dave and I live 2000 miles apart and still sing and play individually. Ola Belle taught us to do our own so we have but when together we still pick and sing with Dad and have fun doing it. We went our ways but still kept the old-time music alive. How can you not with both parents being such a strong presence instilled in us. Dad may be 90 but still plays a mean guitar.
Record Label: Dave and I will be working on it this year w/ Dad

My Blog

The item has been deleted

Posted by on